Ergonomic container

ABSTRACT

The present invention generally is an ergonomic container comprising a cover, an applicator and a receptacle. At least one of the cover or receptacle comprising a housing, wherein the housing is formed by the presence of a cavity and aperture that retain the applicator so as to make a gripping portion of the applicator visible when disposed in the housing.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an ergonomiccontainer for consumer products. More particularly the invention relatesto an ergonomic container that provides a product and an applicatortherefor in a compact and portable manner. The container of the presentinvention provides product and an applicator in a single package tofacilitate carrying and ready use and at the same time giving the useran ergonomically placed applicator which gives the user an indication ofits presence and/or absence.

2. Description of the Related Art

The cosmetic industry generally uses cosmetic cases to store cosmeticcompositions. Conventional packages are in the form of jars and compactsof varying sizes, or in the form of dispenser pens.

Typically, a cosmetic container comprises a base member for holding agiven quantity of products and a cover. The cover may be connected withthe base by way of respective mating threads, i.e. in the manner of ajar and lid, or pivotally attached to one another at one cooperatingedge thereof, i.e., in the manner of a clam, snap-fit or by way ofhinge. Further, in some containers there is also provided an applicator,however, the applicator is mostly in contact with the bulk product.Alternatively, there may be provided a separate compartment for storageof an applicator which is generally present below the receptacle incontainers such as compacts or jars.

In case of cosmetic jars, the provision of an applicator results in abulkier package as the applicator in jars is provided in a separatecompartment present in the top of the container. This type of jarresults in hindered portability of the container as it becomes bulkierfor storage in a woman's purse or like carrying means. Moreover, such anarrangement of an applicator is generally present when the cosmeticpreparation is in powder form, however, when the cosmetic preparation isof a creamy nature, as is the case with eyebrow liner, rouge and thelike, the necessary applicator brush or like means is generally carriedin a separate container, thus adding to the space required in a woman'spurse.

In conventional cosmetic compacts the applicator is typically storedtouching the bulk product which results in easier contamination of theproduct and therefore, is undesirable by the user. There are alsopresent cosmetic compacts in which a separate compartment is present inthe form of a pull-out drawer or a slidable tray below the receptacle.There are also present containers in which the compartment containingthe applicator is present below the receptacle and engaged by way ofhinge. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,709,232 to Sheffler et al.,discloses a cosmetic jar and applicator storage device having a bodyproviding a pair of back-to-back shallow recesses retaining a cosmeticsubstance and an applicator respectively, wherein the cover meansstoring the applicator is attached to the body by way of a hinge.Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 6,378,533 to Roman discloses a cosmetic storagedevice having a pivotable pull-out applicator storage device.

However, all the above packages are cumbersome to use. As the actualnumber of separate individual pieces increases in such containers whichin turn increases the number of steps for application by the user. Theuser has to first open the container, then open the compartmentcontaining the applicator and then apply the product, and duringapplication the user has to take care of all the pieces of thecontainer. Similarly, closing the container is also a cumbersome taskfor a user. Moreover, the applicator in such compartments is so placedthat the user has to use her nails for pulling out the applicator whichmay result in breaking of nails while taking out the applicator.

Moreover, these devices are not intuitive for the consumer to knowwhether the applicator has been returned to its compartment and mayresult in the applicator being lost by the user. Further, the presenceof a separate tray or a compartment in the container disturbs theaesthetics of the overall products.

Therefore there is a need for a package that provides an applicator in amanner that the overall aesthetics of the product remain unchanged andat the same time the applicator is easily accessible to the user. Thereis also a need for a container with an applicator placed in an ergonomicand user-friendly manner. Ease of manipulation and use of the applicatoris also important to thereby reduce the possibility of it beinginadvertently dropped or misplaced by the user.

It is also desirable that the applicator is kept in isolation when notin use so as to minimize inadvertent contamination as a special care isrequired in certain products such as while applying cosmetic material tothe face, especially to sensitive skin and areas around the eyes.

In today's fast world, consumers look for easy-to-use packages.Therefore, easy access, manipulation and use of the applicator isimportant and hence, the need of a container with storage space in whichthe applicator is placed in an ergonomic manner without disturbing theoverall aesthetics of the package.

SUMMARY

The present invention generally is an ergonomic container with anapplicator. The container provides the product and an applicatortherefor in a single package to facilitate carrying and ready use and atthe same time giving the user an ergonomically placed applicator havingeasy access. Further, the ergonomic container also gives visualindication of the presence or absence of the applicator.

The ergonomic container of the present invention may be used for storageof consumer products wherein the term consumer products is intended toinclude cosmetic, cosmeceutical and care products. A few examplesinclude but are not limited to lip colour, concealer, primer, tintproduct, cream product, mousse or gel product, powder compositions inthe form of a pressed powder, a cake, hot pour pasty product, forexample face powder, eye shadow, rouge, foundation, blush, cake mascara,and the like or skin care and regimen product. The container of thepresent invention may also be used for storing paint products.

According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided anergonomic container with an applicator which provides easy one-handaccess of the applicator. Further, the container of the presentinvention helps in reminding/visually indicating to the user to replacethe applicator in its place after usage.

According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided anergonomic container that is simple in structure and at the same timeconvenient to use, retaining essentially the desirable aesthetics of theconventional container.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the ergonomiccontainer comprises a cover, a receptacle and at least one applicator.The cover of the container comprises a body having at least one sidewall, a top wall and at least one housing for receiving the at least oneapplicator. The housing in the cover is formed by the presence of acavity extending through the at least one side wall, said housing havingan aperture. Further, the applicator gripping portion is visible in thecavity when the applicator is disposed through the aperture. Thereceptacle of the container comprises of a body wherein the body has atleast one sidewall and a base for holding the product, said base havingat least one recess for holding/storing the product. Further, the atleast one applicator comprises a gripping portion and an applicatorportion. Further, the presence of the applicator in the cover completesthe form of the cover thereby maintaining the aesthetics of thecontainer and giving the user a cue to put back the applicator afterusing it. The receptacle and cover may be connected by a complimentarythread arrangement, or by a hinge, a pin, a snap, a hook or any othersuitable means to open and close the container. The interior or exteriorsurface of the cover of the container may comprise a mirror.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention the at least onehousing in the cover of the ergonomic container may be parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the cover such that the presence of the applicatorin the housing completes the form of the cover. Alternatively, the atleast one housing in the cover of the ergonomic container may beparallel to the transverse axis of the cover such that the presence ofthe applicator in the housing completes the form of the cover.Alternatively, the at least one housing in the cover of the ergonomiccontainer may be disposed at an inclined angle in the cover such thatthe presence of the applicator in the housing completes the form of thecover.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention the grippingportion of the applicator further comprises a plurality of grippingformations. The gripping formations can have any suitable dimensions,and form any suitable pattern. The gripping formations provide forbetter grip and ergonomy in handling in the applicator. The applicatormay further be telescopic. Further, the applicator may be fitted in thehousing by way of a locking means wherein the locking means may be asnap, a magnet or a button or any other suitable means.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention a lockingmeans may be provided in the cover and base of the receptacle to preventopening of container when not in use. The locking means may comprise ofa fastener piece on the cover that engages a fastener unit on the basefor securing the cover to the receptacle. Further, any suitable lockingmeans such as a complimentary threaded arrangement, a snap, a magnet ora button may be provided to secure the container.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention the applicator isstored in the housing and is slid out of the housing for usage. Duringuse, the user takes out the at least one applicator through the aperturein the cover by help of gripping formations formed on the applicator,then he/she opens the cover of the container to access the product. Postusage, the user closes the container and is reminded to replace theapplicator through the exposed aperture in the at least one housing soas to complete the form of the container.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention the ergonomiccontainer may be a kit with the base of the receptacle having aplurality of recesses for retaining products. Accordingly, the cover ofthe container has a plurality of housings for retaining the applicatorstherefor in a single package.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention the ergonomiccontainer comprises a cover, a receptacle and at least one applicator.The cover comprises a body having at least one side wall and a top wall.The receptacle comprises a body, wherein the body has at least onesidewall and a base, said base having at least one recess forholding/storing the product and at least one housing, wherein thehousing is formed by the presence of a cavity extending through the atleast one side wall, said housing having an aperture. Further, theapplicator comprises a gripping portion and an applicator portion,wherein the at least one applicator is retained in the at least onehousing present in the receptacle of the container and wherein theaperture in the housing is disposed so as to make the applicatorgripping portion visible in the cavity.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention the at least onehousing in the receptacle may be parallel to the longitudinal axis ofthe receptacle such that the presence of the applicator in the housingcompletes the form of the receptacle. Alternatively, the at least onehousing in the receptacle may be parallel to the transverse axis of thereceptacle such that the presence of the applicator in the housingcompletes the form of the receptacle. Alternatively, the at least onehousing in the receptacle may be disposed at an inclined angle in thereceptacle such that the presence of the applicator in the housingcompletes the form of the receptacle.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention the grippingportion of the applicator further comprises a plurality of grippingformations. The gripping formations can have any suitable dimensions,and form any suitable pattern. The gripping formations provide forbetter grip and ergonomy in handling in the applicator. The applicatormay further be telescopic. Further, the applicator may be fitted in thehousing by way of a locking means wherein the locking means may be asnap, a magnet or a button or any other suitable means.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention a lockingmeans may be provided in the cover and base of the receptacle to preventopening of container when not in use. The locking means may comprise ofa fastener piece on the cover that engages a fastener unit on the basefor securing the cover to the receptacle. Further, any suitable lockingmeans such as a complimentary threaded arrangement, a snap, a magnet ora button may be provided to secure the container.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention the applicator isstored in the housing in the receptacle and is slid out of the housingfor usage. During use, the user takes out the at least one applicatorthrough the aperture in the receptacle by help of gripping formationsformed on the applicator, then he/she opens the cover of the containerto access the product. Post usage, the user closes the container and isreminded to replace the applicator through the exposed aperture in theat least one housing in the receptacle so as to complete the form of thecontainer.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention the ergonomiccontainer may be a kit with the base of the receptacle having aplurality of recesses for retaining products. Accordingly, thereceptacle also has a plurality of housings for retaining theapplicators therefor in a single package.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention the housing beingintegrally formed with the cover or the receptacle utilizes the maximumarea available and at the same time reduces the material costs involvedin making the container. Also, the housing for storage of applicatorbeing in one of the cover or the receptacle gives the manufacturer thefreedom of either giving a screw-threaded mechanism or a hinge-mechanismor any other suitable mechanism for closing the container.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention there is alsoprovided a container that comprises relatively fewer separate componentsthereby keeping the manufacturing cost low. As a consequence, highlyfunctional and aesthetically pleasing containers are realized, with lowoverall manufacturing cost, and use of minimal quantities of plastic rawmaterial.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the container whenin the form of a pen such as a cosmetic pen, the housing for storage ofapplicator may be integrally formed with the cover or the receptacle ofthe pen. The aperture for storage of the applicator may be formed inalignment with the lateral axis of the pen or the transverse axis of thecover of the pen.

According to an embodiment of the invention the container may be in theform of jars or pens/dispensers having an easy access to applicators.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention the containerof the present invention therefore provides easy access to theapplicator and at the same time provides for better portability of theapplicator and the product.

These and further aspects which will be apparent to the expert of theart are attained by the ergonomic container in accordance with the mainclaim.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the presentinvention can be understood in detail, a more particular description ofthe invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference toembodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Itis to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate onlytypical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to beconsidered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to otherequally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the ergonomic container according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the ergonomic container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the ergonomic container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 shows a bottom view of the ergonomic container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 illustrates an isometric view of the ergonomic containeraccording to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the ergonomic container of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 shows a front view of the container of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of the ergonomic container of FIG. 7;

FIG. 12 shows a bottom view of the ergonomic container of FIG. 7;

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have beenused, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common tothe figures. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawingsillustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are thereforenot to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admitto other equally effective embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 through to 6 illustrate one embodiment of the present inventionshowing an ergonomic container 100 for consumer products that providesan ergonomically placed applicator and the product in a single packageto facilitate carrying and easy one-hand accessibility of applicator ina container such as a jar and at the same time giving the user a cue toput back the applicator after usage. As represented by FIGS. 1 throughto 4, the container 100 comprises a cover 101, a receptacle 102 and anapplicator 103. The receptacle 102 of the container 100 comprises of abody 102 a wherein the body 102 a has a sidewall 102 b and a base 102 cfor holding the product, said base 102 c having at least one recess 102d for holding/storing the product. Further, the at least one applicator103 has a gripping portion 103 a and an applicator portion 103 b. Thecover 101 comprises a body 101 a having at least one side wall 101 b, atop wall 101 c and at least one housing 101 d for receiving the at leastone applicator 103. The housing 101 d is formed by the presence of acavity extending through the at least one side wall 101 b, said housing101 d having an aperture 104. Further, the applicator gripping portion103 a is visible in the cavity when the applicator 103 is disposedthrough the aperture 104. The receptacle 102 and cover 101 are connectedtogether by a complimentary thread arrangement 105 a and 105 b in boththe cover 101 and the receptacle 102 to open and close the container100. The receptacle 102 and cover 101 may alternatively be connected bya hinge, a pin, a snap, a hook or any other suitable means. Further, alocking means may alternatively be provided in the cover 101 and thereceptacle 102 to prevent opening of container 100 when not in use. Thelocking means may comprise of a fastener piece on the cover 101 thatengages a fastener unit on the receptacle 102 for securing the cover 101to the receptacle 102. Further, the complimentary threaded arrangementmay act as a locking means or a snap, a magnet or a button or any othersuitable means may be provided to secure the container 100. Further, theapplicator 103 may be fitted in the housing by way of a locking meanswherein the locking means may be a snap, a magnet or a button or anyother suitable means. The interior or exterior surface of the cover 101of the container 100 may comprise a mirror. The cover 101 and receptacle102 may be formed of a suitable polymeric material such as acrylonitrilebutadiene styrene or styrene acrylonitrile. Further, the applicator 103may be telescopic so as to be able to accommodate in the housing as wellas provide better grippability when used due to the telescopicity.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the housing 101 d and the aperture 104 inthe cover 101 is disposed to be substantially parallel to the transverseaxis of the cover 101 such that the presence of the applicator 103 inthe housing 101 d completes the form of the cover 101. Alternatively,the housing 101 d and the aperture 104 in the cover 101 may be disposedto be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cover 101such that the presence of the applicator 103 in the housing 101 dcompletes the form of the cover 101. Alternatively the housing 101 d andthe aperture 104 in the cover 101 may be disposed to be at an inclinedangle in the cover 101 such that the presence of the applicator 103 inthe housing 101 d completes the form of the cover 101.

Further, the gripping portion 103 a of the applicator 103 may beprovided with a plurality of gripping formations such as projections,rings, ridges, ribs, embossments, depressions, grooves, or any othersuitable gripping structures. The gripping formations can have anysuitable dimensions, and form any suitable pattern. As shown in FIGS. 1to 3, a suitable number of ridges 106 to provide on gripping portion 103a of the applicator 103 for better grip and ergonomy in handling in theapplicator 103. The ridges 106 may be in the form of rings which couldbe either continuous or discontinuous, lines, dashes, dots or any othersuitable form.

During use, the user holds the container 100 in one hand and is able topull out the applicator 103 from the cover 101 which is visible from theoutside by using a finger of the same hand. The applicator 103 istherefore placed ergonomically in the container 100 and provides for aone-hand operation. The user then opens the cover 101 of the container100 in a usual manner to access the product, thereby decreasing thesteps for application by the user. After usage, the user closes thecontainer 100 in a usual manner and the aperture 104 in the cover 101gives a visual cue to her to replace the applicator 103 in its place andthereby complete the form of the container 100.

FIGS. 7 through to 12 illustrate yet another embodiment of the inventionshowing an ergonomic container 200 for consumer products that providesan ergonomically placed applicator and the product in a single package.As represented by FIGS. 7 through to 10, the container 200 comprises acover 201, a receptacle 202 and an applicator 203. The cover 201 of thecontainer 200 comprises of a body 201 a wherein the body 201 a has asidewall 201 b and a topwall 201 c. The applicator 203 has a grippingportion 203 a and an applicator portion 203 b. The receptacle 202comprises a body 202 a having at least one side wall 202 b, a base 202 cfor holding the product, said base 202 c having at least one recess 202d for holding/storing the product and at least one housing 202 e forreceiving the applicator 203. The housing 202 e is formed by thepresence of a cavity extending through the at least one side wall 202 b,said housing 202 e having an aperture 204. Further, the applicatorgripping portion 203 a is visible in the cavity when the applicator 203is disposed in the aperture 204. The receptacle 202 and cover 201 areconnected together by a complimentary thread arrangement 205 a and 205 bin both the cover 201 and the receptacle 202 to open and close thecontainer 200. The receptacle 202 and cover 201 may alternatively beconnected by a hinge, a pin, a snap, a hook or any other suitable means.Further, a locking means may alternatively be provided in the cover 201and the receptacle 202 to prevent opening of container 200 when not inuse. The locking means may comprise of a fastener piece on the cover 201that engages a fastener unit on the base 202 c for securing the cover201 to the receptacle 202. Further, the complimentary threadedarrangement may act as a locking means or a snap, a magnet or a buttonor any other suitable means may be provided to secure the container.Further, the applicator 203 may be fitted in the housing by way of alocking means wherein the locking means may be a snap, a magnet or abutton or any other suitable means. The interior or exterior surface ofthe cover 201 of the container 200 may comprise a mirror. The cover 201and receptacle 202 may be formed of a suitable polymeric material suchas acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or styrene acrylonitrile. Further,the applicator 203 may be telescopic so as to be able to accommodate inthe housing as well as provide better grippability when used due to thetelescopicity.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the housing 202 e and the aperture 204 inthe receptacle 202 is disposed to be substantially parallel to thetransverse axis of the receptacle 202 such that the presence of theapplicator 203 in the housing 202 e completes the form of the receptacle202. Alternatively, the housing 202 e and the aperture 204 in thereceptacle 202 may be disposed to be substantially parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the receptacle 202 such that the presence of theapplicator 203 in the housing 202 e completes the form of the receptacle202. Alternatively the housing 202 e and the aperture 204 in thereceptacle 202 may be disposed to be at an inclined angle in thereceptacle 202 such that the presence of the applicator 203 in thehousing 202 e completes the form of the receptacle 202.

Further, the gripping portion 203 a of the applicator 203 may beprovided with a plurality of gripping formations such as projections,rings, ridges, ribs, embossments, depressions, grooves, or any othersuitable gripping structures. The gripping formations can have anysuitable dimensions, and form any suitable pattern. As shown in FIG. 10a suitable number of ridges 206 are provided on gripping portion 203 aof the applicator 103 for better grip and ergonomy in handling in theapplicator 203. The ridges 206 may be in the form of rings which couldbe either continuous or discontinuous, lines, dashes, dots or any othersuitable form.

During use the user holds the container 200 in one hand and is able topull out the applicator 203 from the receptacle 202 which is visiblefrom the outside by using a finger of the same hand. The applicator 203is therefore placed ergonomically in the container 200 and provides fora one-hand operation. The user then opens the cover 201 of the container200 in a usual manner to access the product, thereby decreasing thesteps for application by the user. After usage the user closes thecontainer 200 in a usual manner and is visually guided to put back theapplicator 203 through the exposed aperture 204 in the housing as theaperture 204 is exposed and the form of the container 200 is incompleteunless the applicator 203 is put back in place.

As the housing is integrally formed in the cover or the receptacle ofthe container, the maximum area available is being utilized and at thesame time helps in reducing the material costs involved in making thecontainer. Also, the housing for storage of applicator being in one ofthe cover or the receptacle gives the manufacturer the freedom of eitherproviding a screw-threaded mechanism or a hinge-mechanism for closingthe container. Moreover, the ergonomic container of the inventioncontainer comprises relatively fewer separate components thereby keepingthe manufacturing cost low. As a consequence, highly functional andaesthetically pleasing containers are realized, with low overallmanufacturing cost, and use of minimal quantities of plastic rawmaterial.

Depending upon the cosmetic material being used, a variety of sizes andshapes of the applicator can be utilized. The applicator portion may beconstructed of a porous or non-porous rubber, fabric mesh, feltmaterial, foamed polymers or sponge material. Further the applicatorcould have any suitable shape depending on the kind of applicationrequired. It could have a shape other than round such as flattenedbrushes.

The ergonomic container of the present invention may be of any shapesuch as square, rectangular, circular polygonal or any suitable shape,such that the cover and the receptacle having identical configuration ofvarying depths. Further, the container may be in the form of jars, aswell as pens, tubes or any other suitable structure such that thehousing for storage of applicator may be integrally formed with thecover or the receptacle of the container providing easy access to theapplicator as well as better portability of the applicator and theproduct.

The ergonomic container of the present invention may be a kit with thebase of the receptacle having a plurality of recesses giving options ofproducts and accordingly the cover or the receptacle has a plurality ofhousings for retaining the applicators therefor in a single package. Theergonomic container of the present invention thus provides a containerwhich gives the user a range of products and applicators therefor in asingle package and at the same time giving the user a simplified anduser-friendly interface to interact with the package.

The container of the present invention can be used to store a widevariety of consumer products such as cosmetic, cosmeceutical and careproducts as well as paint products. A few examples of these products maybe pressed powder, a cake, hot pour pasty product, face powder, eyeshadow, rouge, foundation, concealer, primer, blush, cake mascara, lipcolour, tint product, cream product, mousse or gel product, and the likeor skin care and regimen product as well as paint products.

All components of the ergonomic container could be fabricated in agenerally conventional manner using any suitable polymer material suchas ABS, SAN, etc while any reflective material could be used as mirror.

Although the above description and drawings show the case beingcircular, the shapes and profile cross section thereof are not limitedto the same. The case of the present invention may be of any suitableshape such as square, rectangular, circular, cylindrical, polygonal.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention,other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised withoutdeparting from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof isdetermined by the claims that follow.

1. An ergonomic container comprising a cover, said cover comprising abody having at least one side wall, a top wall and at least one housing,wherein the housing is formed by the presence of a cavity extendingthrough the at least one side wall, said housing having an aperture; areceptacle, said receptacle comprising a body wherein the body has atleast one sidewall and a base, said base having at least one recess forholding/storing product; and at least one applicator, said applicatorcomprising a gripping portion and an applicator portion, wherein the atleast one applicator is retained in the at least one housing present inthe cover and wherein the applicator gripping portion is visible in thecavity when the applicator is disposed through the aperture.
 2. Theergonomic container according to claim 1 wherein the at least onehousing is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the coversuch that the presence of the applicator in the housing completes theform of the cover.
 3. The ergonomic container according to claim 1wherein the at least one housing is substantially parallel to thetransverse axis of the cover such that the presence of the applicator inthe housing completes the form of the cover.
 4. The ergonomic containeraccording to claim 1 wherein the at least one housing is disposed at aninclined angle in the cover such that the presence of the applicator inthe housing completes the form of the cover.
 5. The ergonomic containeraccording to claim 1 wherein the gripping portion of the applicatorfurther comprises a plurality of gripping formations.
 6. The ergonomiccontainer according to claim 1 wherein the applicator is telescopic. 7.The ergonomic container according to claim 1 wherein the applicator isstored in the housing and is slid out of the housing for usage.
 8. Theergonomic container according to claim 1 wherein the applicatorcompletes the form of the cover.
 9. The ergonomic container according toclaim 1 further comprising a fastener piece on the cover that engages afastener unit on the base for securing the cover to the receptacle. 10.The ergonomic container according to claim 1 wherein the container is akit with the base of the receptacle having a plurality of recesses forretaining products.
 11. The ergonomic container according to claim 10wherein the cover has a plurality of housings for retaining theapplicators therefor in a single package.
 12. A method for using theergonomic container claimed in claim 5, said method comprising takingout the at least one applicator through the aperture in cover orreceptacle by help of gripping formations formed on the applicator,opening the cover of the container to access the product, closing thecontainer and replacing the applicator through the exposed aperture inthe at least one housing to complete the form of the container.
 13. Anergonomic container comprising a cover, said cover comprising a bodyhaving at least one side wall and a top wall; a receptacle, saidreceptacle comprising a body, wherein the body has at least one sidewalland a base, said base having at least one recess for holding/storing theproduct and at least one housing, wherein the housing is formed by thepresence of a cavity extending through the at least one side wall, saidhousing having an aperture; and at least one applicator, said applicatorcomprising a gripping portion and an applicator portion, wherein the atleast one applicator is retained in the at least one housing present inthe receptacle of the container and wherein the aperture in the housingis disposed so as to make the applicator gripping portion visible in thecavity.
 14. The ergonomic container according to claim 13 wherein the atleast one housing is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis ofthe receptacle such that the presence of the applicator in the housingcompletes the form of the receptacle.
 15. The ergonomic containeraccording to claim 13 wherein the at least one housing is substantiallyparallel to the transverse axis of the receptacle such that the presenceof the applicator in the housing completes the form of the receptacle.16. The ergonomic container according to claim 13 wherein the at leastone housing is disposed at an inclined angle in the receptacle such thatthe presence of the applicator in the housing completes the form of thereceptacle.
 17. The ergonomic container according to claim 13 whereinthe gripping portion of the applicator further comprises a plurality ofgripping formations.
 18. The ergonomic container according to claim 13wherein the applicator is telescopic.
 19. The ergonomic containeraccording to claim 13 wherein the applicator is stored in the closedhousing and is slid out of the housing for usage.
 20. The ergonomiccontainer according to claim 13 wherein the applicator completes theform of the receptacle.
 21. The ergonomic container according to claim13 further comprising a fastener piece on the cover that engages afastener unit on the base for securing the cover to the receptacle. 22.The ergonomic container according to claim 13 wherein the container is akit with the base of the receptacle having a plurality of recesses forretaining products.
 23. The ergonomic container according to claim 22wherein the receptacle has a plurality of housings for retaining theapplicators therefor in a single package.
 24. A method for using theergonomic container claimed in claim 17, said method comprising takingout the applicator through the housing in receptacle by help of thegripping formations, opening the cover of the container to access theproduct, closing the container and replacing the applicator through theexposed aperture in the at least one housing to complete the form of thecontainer.